WALTER, Thomas
GROUNDS AND RULES OF MUSICK EXPLAINED 1746. Very Good. WALTER, Thomas. THE GROUNDS AND RULES OF MUSICK EXPLAINED: Or, an Introduction to the Art of Singing by Note. Fitted to the meanest Capacities. Recommended by several Ministers. Boston: Printed for Samuel Gerrish, 1746. First issued in 1721, in response to a controversy respecting the improvement of church singing which raged in the New England churches between 1720 and 1725, this little book became immediately popular among the singing schools and choirs of New England and continued to be a favorite for more than forty years, during which time it passed through six editions. This is the fourth edition. Despite its popularity, copies of these books must have been worn out in service for there are few copies to be found outside of institutions, especially of the earlier editions, and especially complete. Oblong 12mo. (2), iii, (1) 25, verso blank, followed by 16 numbered leaves of engraved music, 10 leaves of manuscript music numbered 17-26, with 19 tunes given, and 33 unnumbered blank leaves. Bound in a worn and rubbed, contemporary, leather binding that has an additional four leaves sewn in at the start, upon which is written an index to the music contained within. Contemporary ink ownership of Mary Burley, dated 1751, on the title-page, and several practice signatures by her of her married name, Mary Shurburn (i.e. Sherburne), on one of the index leaves. (She married Samuel Sherburne, Jr., of Portsmouth, NH, on June 26, 1760 in the South Church of Ipswich.) There are remnants of newspaper clippings adhered to the pastedowns and index leaves. Most appear to have been obituaries, though one is a description of the latest fashion in dresses. Apparently, the removal of one clipping left the hole at the center of the first index leaf. One leaf of manuscript music, #17, is missing the bottom fore- corner, with small loss to the musical staff; while another leaf, #20, has slim open tear that meanders through the (blank) medius staff of one tune. Despite showing the wear usual for this type of book, its condition is very good overall, and it is rare complete. Refrences: Evans 5878; Sabin 101196; Jones,
[Bookseller: Boston Book Company]